A new report, released 4 May 2007, highlights options for decreasing the amount of global warming. The report was developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, experts from about 150 countries brought together by the United Nations. Their job is to compile and share what we know about climate and global warming based on thousands of studies done in recent years.

According to this new report, Mitigation of Climate Change, if we continue to live as we have, the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will continue to rise. The report highlights technologies that are currently available which can help, such as switching energy sources from coal to cleaner gas, nuclear power, or renewable energy. Driving only fuel-efficient vehicles and using public transportation limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted too. And bicycling and walking are always good options. In buildings, having thick insulation and efficient appliances are good ideas. The report also suggests technologies for agriculture, industry and forestry that lessen the amount of greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere.

Technologies that will be coming soon, within the next 10 to 20 years, are also highlighted in the report including Carbon Storage and Capture technologies for energy supplies, advanced nuclear and renewable energy, new hybrid and electric vehicles, and higher efficiency airplanes. The report also takes a look 20 to more than 50 years into the future at how and when we will eventually be able to stabilize the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the rate of global warming.

Shop Windows to the Universe Science Store!

Cool It! is the new card game from the Union of Concerned Scientists that teaches kids about the choices we have when it comes to climate change—and how policy and technology decisions made today will matter. Cool It! is available in our online store.

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